Can I eat shellfish and seafood when pregnant?
Table of contents
Oysters
Mussels
Crab, white meat
Crayfish
Lobster
Shrimp
Brown seaweed
Red, green seaweed
Can I eat oysters when pregnant?
Yes, but...Mom, if you enjoy oysters, you’ll need to make sure that they’re well cooked if you want to keep eating them during pregnancy. Raw shellfish may be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause food poisoning. Remember that you’re more susceptible to food poisoning during pregnancy.
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Benefits
Shellfish are rich in vitamin D, iodine and selenium, all off which are important when you are pregnant.
Risks
food poisoning
Check common questions about: Oysters
Can I eat mussels when pregnant?
Yes, but...Mommy, please remember that all seafood must come from a reliable supplier to avoid toxins and contaminants.
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Benefits
Shellfish are high in protein and mineral zinc. They're also quite high in iron, which you need during pregnancy to increase your blood volume. Finally, mussels are low in fat, making them heart-healthy.
Risks
food poisoning
Check common questions about: Mussels
Can I eat crab, white meat when pregnant?
Yes, but...Seafood that is cooked and low in mercury such as lobster or crab can be eaten once a week. But remember that all seafood must come from a reliable supplier to avoid toxins and contaminants.
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Benefits
Shellfish are rich in vitamin D, iodine and selenium, all off which are important when you are pregnant.
Check common questions about: Crab, white meat
Can I eat crayfish when pregnant?
Yes, but...If you enjoy crayfish, you’ll need to make sure that they are well-cooked if you want to keep eating them during pregnancy. Raw shellfish may be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause food poisoning. Remember that you’re more susceptible to food poisoning during pregnancy. If you’re eating out, ask for your fish, shellfish or any seafood to be well cooked. This is especially important in Japanese restaurants, as they often lightly sear fish on the outside, then serve it rare.
Psst, we have an app dedicated to pregnant moms. Learn more
Benefits
Shellfish are rich in vitamin D, iodine and selenium, all off which are important when you are pregnant.
Check common questions about: Crayfish
Can I eat lobster when pregnant?
YesSeafood that is cooked and low in mercury such as lobster can be eaten once a week. But remember that all seafood must come from a reliable supplier to avoid toxins and contaminants.
Psst, we have an app dedicated to pregnant moms. Learn more
Benefits
Shellfish are high in protein and mineral zinc. They're also quite high in iron, which you need during pregnancy to increase your blood volume. Finally, mussels are low in fat, making them heart-healthy.
Check common questions about: Lobster
Can I eat shrimp when pregnant?
YesShrimps absorb low amounts of heavy metals and mercury. Before preparing them, clean them well and cook them to make sure that they are not raw. Shrimps are fully cooked when they turn a pinky-red colour and the flesh is opaque. As a rule of thumb, never eat raw shrimps, or other raw shellfish when pregnant.
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Benefits
Shrimps are high in several vitamins and minerals, and are an excellent source of protein. 100 grams of the product contain 27 grams of protein and only two grams of fat. 100 grams of shrimp is only 135 calories. Eating shrimps may also promote heart and brain health due to their content of omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidant astaxanthin. Tasty, nutritious, and additionally low-calorie shrimps during pregnancy? Why not!
Check common questions about: Shrimp
Can I eat brown seaweed when pregnant?
YesBrown seaweed such as kelp, kombu, or wakame contain naturally high and varying levels of iodine. If you eat brown seaweed regularly, the level of iodine can be too high for you. Therefore, it is not advised to consume more than one serving of brown seaweed per week.
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Benefits
Iodine is an important nutrient that the body needs to function properly, but if taken in excess, it could have a negative impact on the functioning of the thyroid gland.
Check common questions about: Brown seaweed
Can I eat red, green seaweed when pregnant?
YesRed seaweed includes nori, the type of seaweed usually used in sushi rolls, as well as dulse, a chewy reddish-brown form often used in soups and stews. You can consume it us much as you like.
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Benefits
Nutrients present in seaweed include folate, choline, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin K. Seaweed is also a good source of fiber, which can help reduce constipation and improve digestive function of your belly.
Check common questions about: Red, green seaweed